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One issue: The power supply seems delicate if not intermittent and bluetooth connections seem to choke for stretches of time. This is especially problematic when I switch between sources, which is rather the point of having bluetooth speaks in the first place.
It seems to be less of a problem if I simply switch on the SALs without trying to reconnect or switch to another source -- then the connection picks up where it left off.
But as my grillfiend said to me when she noticed the issue, I'm worried that we might be dealing with a fussy audio connection on a daily basis.
Other than that, I really like the SALs. If they remain reliable, I'll pick up a sub and be done with it.
-EDIT: Was not able to turn them off, at some point in the night it shut off and now everything is working again. I still want to know why the speakers had a 15 hour lapse of service; Is there a safety lock on the buttons or similar feature?
My first 'Nice' speakers, but I got them knowing they were a stepping stone to great speakers in the future.
Maybe it doesn't matter, but I noticed quality improvement after switching from 3.5mm to USB jack.
I know when HD TVs first came out, I hated the picture. Mainly, it was because much of the sources were poor in quality, but the thing I didn't like was that the clarity highlighted imperfections. Maybe this is why I'm not impressed. Although the speakers may be much more clearer providing more detail, it also let's me hear a lot more imperfections, therefore the overall enjoyment of my listening experience isn't a big improvement over my cheaper speakers. And then of course, I could just be ignorant, not knowing what to listen for. I'm sure having the technical knowledge can make you appreciate the clarity these speakers provide, but I also assumed most people can simply enjoy a huge audio upgrade. Perhaps it's preference or some people just won't notice a difference. I was just hoping to replicate that moment as a kid when I heard a Bose demo at the mall and was blown away. Since then, nothing has ever come close. In fact, almost all high fidelity systems have disappointed me. Perhaps my expectations are too high, that I'm looking for a larger than life sound that most systems can't do, and if they can, the source audio most likely isn't good.
Convenience and versatility are the reasons to buy SALs. Since my grillfiend doesn't have a preamp or amp, the SALs perform a preamp's switching function and don't require an amp because they're active. Ours are being used with the line out of a Playstation 4, the USB out of a Sharp TV for a Roku, and a bluetooth out for two laptops, two smartphones and two tablets. For my audiophile listening, I use various headphones, IEMs and DAC/Amps. I bought a CEntrance DACMini specifically to use with headphones. At my studio elsewhere, I use Tannoy and Genelec speakers. We used to use Yamaha NS-10Ms because everyone else did (and compatibility with clients is crucial), but thankfully, that craze is over. It should have died in the '80s.
Everyone says that the SALs sound much better with a sub (a Velodyne is often recommended), but I haven't tried that because we live in a relatively small condo -- which is one of the main reasons I picked up the SALs in the first place. The intention was to use them at home or bring them to my office. If you don't factor in the bluetooth, I/O and switching options, my hoary Acoustic Energy Aego M 2.1s kick the SALs' sonic ass soundly (pun distended).